About Our “Green” Design

The Acropolis project has joined the U.S. Green Building Council, which created the LEED for Home certification process, a voluntary initiative that promotes sustainable “green” practices. LEED for Homes certification means the green home uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier and more comfortable for the occupants. No other development in the Southeast has attempted to achieve a LEED platinum rating, neither commercially nor residentially, under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program.

LEED Home Benefits

Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. The net cost of owning a LEED home is comparable to that of owning a conventional home, the U. S. Green Building Council says. There are four levels of certification – sometimes called “shades of green”– that measure the home’s environmental quality and resources efficiency: certified, silver, gold and platinum, with platinum being the highest. Less than 10 homes in the United States have achieved platinum certification.

 The Acropolis designs feature:
• Innovative architectural technologies that maximize energy conservation and renewable resources.
• Landscape design that includes shrubs, gardens, drought-tolerant plants, a system that filters contaminants from storm water, minimal turf, advanced erosion control, non-toxic pest control, and shaded or reflective sidewalks.
• Water systems that harvest rainwater, promote irrigation efficiency and utilize high-efficiency toilets, showers and faucets.
• Water heating and recirculation systems that reduce water use and energy consumption.
• Innovative indoor air quality features that include mechanical combustion, air venting, moisture controls, air supply management, and radon mitigation.
• Energy conservation through use of highly effective (bio-based spray-foam) insulation and energy efficient windows, appliances, heating, cooling and lighting systems.
• Construction waste management techniques designed to divert 75% of the construction debris away from landfills and establishment of an intensive homeowner-recycling program in each of the units.
           
The Acropolis partners have hired J. Mark West, an architect and LEED-accredited professional, to guide the environmental aspects of the project and lead the development to a top rating.